Tax Criminal Defense Attorney in Münster

Professional Defense in Tax-Criminal Proceedings — A Former Tax-Authority Official as Your Attorney

Have you been charged with tax evasion, or is a tax investigation (Steuerfahndung) at your door? As a certified specialist attorney for tax law (Fachanwalt für Steuerrecht) and a former tax-authority official, I defend you competently at every stage of a tax-criminal case. My insider knowledge of the revenue administration gives you decisive advantages in your defense.

What Are Tax-Criminal Proceedings?

Tax-criminal proceedings are criminal investigations for tax evasion, tax under-declaration, or other tax offenses. They differ fundamentally from ordinary tax proceedings and are governed by special rules under §§ 385 et seq. of the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung, AO).

Common tax offenses:

• Tax evasion (§ 370 AO) — intentional under-declaration of tax
• Reckless tax under-declaration (§ 378 AO) — negligent tax violations
• Endangering tax collection (§ 379 AO)
• Smuggling and tax receiving in customs offenses

Special Features of Tax-Criminal Proceedings

Your Rights in a Tax-Criminal Case (§§ 385 et seq. AO)

Right to remain silent:

• A full right to remain silent toward tax investigators and the prosecution
• No duty to cooperate in establishing the facts
• The right to counsel from the very start

Special procedural rights:

• Access to the file through your defense counsel
• Your counsel’s right to be present during questioning
• Protection against self-incrimination — unlike in ordinary tax proceedings

Searches in Tax-Offense Cases

Searches by the tax-investigation unit are serious intrusions on your fundamental rights and are subject to special rules:

• A judicial search warrant is required
• The accused and their counsel have the right to be present
• Documents and digital storage media may be seized
• Suspicious items may be sealed

Important: Get legal advice immediately if a search is imminent or has already taken place.

Arrests and Arrest Warrants

In serious cases of tax evasion you may face:

• Provisional arrest by the tax-investigation unit
• An arrest warrant on grounds of flight risk or risk of tampering with evidence
• Pre-trial detention in cases of substantial tax offenses

My Services as a Tax Criminal Defense Lawyer

Immediate Measures During a Tax Investigation

• 24/7 emergency advice during searches and arrests
• Immediate legal representation on site
• Protecting your rights vis-à-vis the tax-investigation unit and the prosecution
• Preventing ill-considered statements and self-incrimination

Defense in the Tax-Criminal Case

• Thorough review of the file and assessment of the evidence
• A defense strategy built on my agency experience
• Negotiations with the prosecution toward discontinuing the case
• Representation in court at every level

Voluntary Disclosure for Immunity from Prosecution

• Advice on the immunity-granting voluntary disclosure under § 371 AO
• Checking whether the conditions for an effective disclosure are met
• Strategic handling to avoid criminal proceedings
• Negotiations over tax amounts and interest

Why Choose a Certified Specialist with Authority Experience?

My Advantage as a Former Tax-Authority Official

• Insider knowledge of the tax-investigation unit’s strategies
• Familiarity with the internal workings of tax-criminal proceedings
• An understanding of how investigators and prosecutors operate
• Effective communication with the investigating authorities

Effective Criminal Defense Through

• Early intervention to limit the damage
• Strategic case management grounded in agency experience
• Skillful negotiation of deals and agreements
• Thorough command of the particulars of tax criminal law

When Do You Need a Tax Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Immediately, If:

• The tax-investigation unit is searching your premises
• You are summoned as an accused person
• You are arrested for a tax offense
• The prosecution has filed an indictment

As a Precaution, If:

• You suspect a tax-investigation case is underway
• You are weighing a voluntary disclosure
• You face complex tax situations carrying criminal risk
• Anonymous tips have been filed against you

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax-Criminal Proceedings